Charged for driving through floodwater

Jim Milnes

Police in the Borders are urging drivers to adhere to road closures following a second driver being charged.

At around 1pm on Wednesday December 30 an attempt was made to drive through 4ft of floodwater on the B712 road at Stobo, Peebles.

Officers, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and Mountain Rescue all attended and worked to free a 47-year-old woman from the half-submerged Volkswagen Polo.

A 47-year-old woman was subsequently charged with careless driving.

Inspector John Scott said: “This is the second incident in December of someone being charged for ignoring road closure signs in the Borders.

“Ignoring these not only risks your own safety, but that of emergency services personnel who will be required to rescue you. It also prevents these vital resources from being able to help other people.

“Please remember that road closures are always in place for a reason. There are no excuses for ignoring these and if you fail to comply, you will be charged.”

Police are advising people that if they are in an area affected by flooding, not to travel unless absolutely necessary.